If You Can't Find Semglee, You're Not Alone

You go to pick up your prescription for Semglee, and the pharmacist tells you it's out of stock. Again. If this has happened to you, you're far from alone. Thousands of patients across the country have struggled to find Semglee — a critical basal insulin — at their local pharmacy.

For people who depend on insulin every single day, a supply disruption isn't just frustrating — it's potentially dangerous. In this post, we'll explain what Semglee is, why it's been so hard to find, and what steps you can take to get your medication.

What Is Semglee?

Semglee is the brand name for Insulin Glargine-yfgn, a long-acting basal insulin used to control blood sugar in adults and children (age 6 and older) with Type 1 diabetes, and in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

What makes Semglee unique is that it was the first interchangeable biosimilar insulin approved by the FDA in the United States. That means it's been shown to work the same way as Lantus (the brand-name insulin glargine made by Sanofi), and pharmacists can substitute it at the counter — just like they would with a generic drug.

Semglee is manufactured by Viatris (formerly Mylan) and comes in two forms:

• A pre-filled pen (100 units/mL, 3 mL per pen, sold in boxes of 5)
• A 10 mL vial (100 units/mL)

You inject Semglee under the skin once daily, at the same time each day, to provide steady blood sugar control for approximately 24 hours. For a deeper look at how this medication works, check out our guide on how Semglee works.

Why Is Semglee So Hard to Find?

There are several overlapping reasons why Semglee has been difficult to find at pharmacies across the U.S.:

1. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Disruptions

The insulin market has undergone major shifts in recent years. As manufacturers adjusted production — including pricing changes, new product launches, and facility upgrades — supply chains for certain products, including Semglee, have been periodically strained. Global raw material sourcing and quality control requirements for biologics make insulin production more complex than standard generic drugs.

2. Increased Demand for Affordable Insulin

Semglee was positioned as a more affordable alternative to Lantus, which historically cost over $300 per vial. When patients and insurers started switching to Semglee for cost savings, demand surged — sometimes faster than Viatris could ramp up supply. The Inflation Reduction Act's $35 insulin copay cap for Medicare patients also drove more prescriptions toward covered insulin products, further boosting demand.

3. Insurance Formulary Shifts

Many insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have moved Semglee to a preferred formulary position. When a plan switches thousands of patients from Lantus or Basaglar to Semglee at once, it can create sudden demand spikes that temporarily outstrip available inventory at local pharmacies.

4. Regional Distribution Gaps

Even when Semglee is being manufactured at normal levels, it doesn't always reach every pharmacy evenly. Large chain pharmacies may prioritize stocking based on volume forecasts, leaving some locations — especially rural or smaller pharmacies — with limited supply. Regional distribution patterns mean one state may have plenty while another is running short.

What You Can Do If You Can't Find Semglee

Don't panic — there are practical steps you can take right now:

Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Availability

Medfinder lets you search for Semglee availability at pharmacies near you in real time. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can see which locations have it in stock from your phone or computer. Learn more in our guide on how to find Semglee in stock near you.

Call Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Big chain pharmacies aren't your only option. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies often have different distribution channels and may have Semglee when chains don't. Specialty pharmacies that focus on diabetes care are another excellent resource.

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Semglee truly isn't available in your area, your prescriber can switch you to another long-acting insulin. Options include Lantus, Basaglar, Levemir, or Toujeo. Each works slightly differently, so your doctor will help find the best fit. Read more in our post on alternatives to Semglee.

Ask Your Pharmacist to Order It

Sometimes the pharmacy simply hasn't ordered Semglee recently. Ask your pharmacist to place a special order from their wholesaler. It may take a day or two, but this often works when stock isn't on the shelf.

Check the Manufacturer's Website

Viatris occasionally posts supply updates and resources at semglee.com. They also offer a savings card and patient assistance program that can help with access and affordability.

What About Switching Insulins?

Switching from one insulin to another is a medical decision that should always involve your doctor or healthcare provider. While Semglee, Lantus, and Basaglar are all insulin glargine products and work very similarly, switching between different insulin types (like moving from glargine to detemir) may require dose adjustments and extra blood sugar monitoring.

Never stop taking insulin or skip doses because of supply issues. If you can't find your medication, contact your prescriber immediately — they can help you find a solution the same day in many cases.

Final Thoughts

The Semglee shortage has been a real hardship for patients who rely on this insulin every day. The good news is that supply is improving, and there are tools and strategies to help you find your medication. Use Medfinder to check real-time availability, explore our tips on saving money on Semglee, and stay in close contact with your healthcare team.

You shouldn't have to fight to get a medication you need to survive. We're here to help make finding it a little easier.